Bill > SB1418

This bill establishes the Tennessee Mental Health Volunteer Alliance Act, creating a statewide database of qualified mental health professionals who can provide volunteer services at schools or public facilities following gun violence, traumatic events, or disasters. The department of mental health will manage the database, verify professionals' qualifications, and coordinate volunteer requests from school or facility leaders. Qualified mental health professionals will provide pro bono services and submit their service hours and rates to the department. The bill allocates $250,000 annually to fund the database's administrative costs, including virtual counseling software, travel expenses, and potential lodging for volunteers. Additionally, the bill creates a school safety fund that will receive any unused funds from the Mental Health Volunteer Alliance program, which can be used exclusively for purchasing safety technology and equipment for schools. The funds will be administered by the department of education and will be subject to annual reporting to legislative committees. The act will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes and fully implement on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1418&ga=114